This is the current affairs of 7 & 8 October 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Name the winne of Nobel Prize 2024 in the field of Medicine/Physiology?
a. Victor Ambrose and Gary Ruvkun
b. Caitlin Karikó and Drew Weissman
c. Erdem Patapoutian
d. Svante Pääbo
Answer: a. Victor Ambrose and Gary Ruvkun (American scientists)
Physiology:
Medicine: Treatment
Victor Ambrose
– Born: 1 December 1953, Hanover, USA
– Railway at the University of Massachusetts Medical School
Gary Ruvkun
– Born: 26 March 1952 in Berkeley, California, USA
– Works at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
What will be awarded in the Nobel Prize?
– They will receive a prestigious award that includes a gold medal and 11 million Swedish Kronor (approximately 89 million Indian rupees).
– The announcement of the Nobel Prize begins with the field of Medicine.
Nobel Prize is given in these 6 fields –
– Physiology or Medicine
– Physics
– Chemistry
– Literature
– Peace
– Economics
About the Nobel Prize:
– This award is given based on the will of scientist and inventor Alfred Bernhard Nobel, after whom it is named.
– The Nobel Prize was awarded for the first time in 1901.
– Alfred Nobel held 355 patents, but he is best known for inventing dynamite.
– The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Norway.
– All other category prizes are awarded in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden.
The first Indian to win the Nobel Prize was Rabindranath Tagore.
– The 2023 Nobel Prize winners in Medicine/Physiology were Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman. They enabled the development of mRNA vaccines, which allowed for the rapid creation of the COVID-19 vaccine.
– The 2022 Nobel Prize in Medicine/Physiology was awarded to Svante Pääbo for his discoveries related to the genome of extinct hominins and human evolution.
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2. For which achievement (research) in the field of medicine, Victor Ambrose and Gary Ruvkun were selected for the Nobel Prize 2024?
a. Discovery of malaria vaccine
b. Discovery of mRNA
c. Discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation
d. All of the above
Answer: c. discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation
This discovery was made in 1992, but its significance was realized by the world a few years later. Since then, it has been extensively used in the field of medicine.
What is micro-RNA?
– DNA is located at the center of the cell and stores genetic instructions for the development, functioning, and reproduction of an organism. mRNA, on the other hand, transfers genetic information from DNA to the cytoplasm, where it is used to make proteins.
– This process involves three types of RNA (mRNA, tRNA, rRNA), with mRNA acting as the messenger.
– Micro-RNA (miRNA) is found within mRNA.
– Micro-RNAs or miRNAs are small, non-coding molecules of RNA (ribonucleic acid).
– They are typically around 19-24 nucleotides long.
– miRNAs play a critical role in determining how much of the messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries genetic information, is eventually converted into proteins.
– In essence, micro-RNAs help cells regulate their protein production.
– Without micro-RNA, cells and tissues in the human body cannot develop properly.
– The proteins produced by cells play vital roles in nearly all biological processes in living organisms.
– For example, in the human body, the protein hemoglobin transports oxygen, while insulin helps with glucose absorption from the blood, among other functions.
Evolved over 500 million years:
– Micro-RNAs have evolved and expanded within the genomes of multicellular organisms for more than 500 million years.
– So far, over a thousand different micro-RNA genes have been discovered in humans.
What are the effects of disruptions in micro-RNA?
– Anything that affects protein production can have significant consequences for human health.
– For instance, abnormal changes in micro-RNA can lead to diseases like cancer and diabetes.
– Mutations in micro-RNA that affect gene coding can result in problems with hearing, vision, and physical structure in humans.
– RNA (ribonucleic acid) transfers the information present in DNA to the cell’s proteins. It can be modified in the lab to create various drugs, as its structure can be altered. Micro-RNA, on the other hand, can be used to control gene expression.
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3. In which country was Rupay card launched in October 2024?
a. USA
b. Japan
c. Australia
d. Maldives
Answer: d. Maldives
– On October 7, 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu launched the RuPay card in the Maldives.
– Both Indian and Maldivian citizens will be able to use the RuPay card there.
– This will be especially convenient for Indian tourists and will promote RuPay on an international level.
ndia has handed over housing:
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over 700 social housing units to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. These units were constructed with India’s financial assistance.
– PM Modi inaugurated a new runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport.
List of countries accepting Rupay card:
1. Bhutan
2. Nepal
3. Mauritius
4. Singapore
5. UAE
6. Maldives
List of countries accepting UPI
1. Bhutan
2. France
3. Mauritius
4. Nepal
5. Singapore
6. Sri Lanka
7. United Arab Emirates
Note – There are plans to launch UPI in Maldives as well.
4. Which agreements were signed between the two countries during the visit of Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu to India?
a. Currency exchange of $400 million and training of Maldivian officials
b. Corruption prevention and law enforcement training
c. Sports and youth affairs
d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above (1. Currency exchange of $400 million, 2. Training of Maldivian officials, 3. Prevention of corruption, 4. Law enforcement training, 5. Sports and youth affairs)
India and the Maldives exchanged five agreements:
1. Currency Exchange: A bilateral currency swap agreement worth $400 million and assistance of ₹30 billion (India has already offered $1.4 billion in financial assistance to Male for various infrastructure and development projects).
2. Training of Maldivian Officials: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India’s National Defence University and the National Police and Law Enforcement College of the Republic of Maldives.
3. Prevention of Corruption: A memorandum of understanding between the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) and the Maldives Anti-Corruption Commission.
4. Law Enforcement Training: Renewal of a memorandum of understanding between the Indian National Judicial Academy (NJAI) and the Maldives Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for training and capacity-building programs for Maldivian judicial officials.
5. Sports and Youth Affairs: Renewal of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in sports and youth affairs between India and the Maldives.
Why is Muizzu’s visit to India important?
– India and the Maldives have traditionally strong bilateral relations, with India being the primary country providing assistance to this island nation.
– However, Muizzu is perceived to be closer to China and less warm towards India.
– The Maldives is strategically significant for India, especially as China seeks to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean.
– If the Maldives were to fully align with China, it could pose a threat to India’s security.
History of Tensions between Muizzu and India
– Just a few weeks after taking office, Muizzu made official visits to Turkey and China. His trip to China was perceived as a deliberate diplomatic insult towards New Delhi, as traditionally, Muizzu’s predecessors prioritized India for their first official visit in recognition of the importance of bilateral relations.
– A few days before Muizzu’s trip to China, some deputy ministers used social media to insult Prime Minister Narendra Modi and mock his posts promoting tourism in the Lakshadweep Islands. This sparked a significant social media conflict between the Maldives and Indians, necessitating diplomatic intervention, though it had no impact in China.
– Tensions escalated further when Muizzu indirectly criticized India, stating that no one had a “license to intimidate” a small country. He also set a deadline of March 15 for India to withdraw its military personnel from the country.
– Indian soldiers had been deployed to train Maldivian forces in combat, reconnaissance, and rescue assistance missions. However, there was significant concern among some sections in the Maldives about the widespread presence of Indian soldiers across the islands, leading to the ‘India Out’ campaign.
– In early 2024, India withdrew more than 80 of its soldiers from the Maldives. Since then, Muizzu has softened his stance, stating that he rejects the presence of any foreign military in the Maldives.
– Maintaining good relations with the Maldives is strategically important for India, and Muizzu’s clear preference for China could be a cause for concern for India.
How Muizzu’s Stance Has Changed
– Muizzu’s changing attitude towards bilateral relations should not come as a surprise. Statements made by politicians during electoral campaigns do not always translate into official policy decisions.
– Domestic priorities and socio-economic concerns mean that Muizzu likely does not want to isolate India.
– He has previously stated, “The Maldives will never do anything that undermines India’s security. India is a valuable partner and friend of the Maldives, and our relationship is based on mutual respect and shared interests. While we expand our cooperation with other countries in various fields, we are committed to ensuring that our actions do not compromise the security and stability of our region.”
– Currently, Muizzu is facing an economic crisis and is in urgent need of debt repayment. Just before his visit to India, he emphasized the need for financial assistance for his country, stating that Delhi is “fully aware” of the financial situation of the island nation and is always ready to “alleviate the burden” as one of Male’s largest development partners.
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5. Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) member countries signed the charter to establish the Secretariat, where was the meeting held?
a. Kochi
b. Colombo
c. Chennai
d. Dhaka
Answer: b. Colombo
– This National Security Advisor (NSA) level meeting took place in Colombo (Sri Lanka) on August 30, 2024.
– India’s NSA Ajit Doval participated in the meeting.
– Representatives from the Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka attended the meeting, while Bangladesh was absent. However, Seychelles was present as an observer.
About CSC
– The Colombo Security Conference (CSC) is a regional security group.
– It was established in 2011 as a trilateral maritime security grouping in the Indian Ocean, consisting of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
– Mauritius joined as the fourth member in 2021.
– Bangladesh became the fifth member in 2024.
Issues Addressed by the CSC
– Maritime Security
– Countering Terrorism and Radicalization
– Combating Smuggling and Transnational – Organized Crime
– Cybersecurity
– Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology
– Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
Importance of the Colombo Security Conference (CSC)
– The increasing naval presence and political influence of China in the Indian Ocean have raised concerns in India’s strategic circles. Beijing continues to demonstrate significant interest in the Indian Ocean to fulfill its energy security demands and expand its trade networks. With Chinese warships, research vessels, and submarines entering the Indian Ocean, it is clear that Beijing is seeking to play an active role and maintain a notable naval presence in the region.
– Therefore, the Colombo Security Conference (CSC) holds strategic significance for India in the Bay of Bengal and the western Indian Ocean.
– For India, uniting a strong institutional framework to promote coordination and cooperation on security issues remains a critical challenge.
– In fact, in the Bay of Bengal region, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has become an essential platform for developing coordination and collaboration for multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation. However, the scope of cooperation within this group has primarily remained within the realms of economic cooperation and connectivity, with little emphasis on security.
– This necessitates the development of a platform for regional cooperation with a security-related agenda in the Bay of Bengal for India.
– The progress of the Colombo Security Conference provides India and other member countries with the opportunity to enhance cooperation on maritime security issues in the Bay of Bengal region.
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6. Which IPS officer was selected for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (ACAP) Award 2024?
a. Radha Kumari
b. Apsara Singh
c. Kumkum Verma
d. Pritpal Kaur
Answer: d. Pritpal Kaur
– This award has been given to 40 police officers under the age of 40 from around the world, and among them, Prithpal Kaur is the only Indian.
– The award ceremony is scheduled to be held in Boston, Massachusetts.
– Prithpal Kaur is the Superintendent of Police in the Fake district of Nagaland.
– She is a dentist turned IPS officer.
– She has done significant work among the tribal communities in Nagaland, for which she has been given the title ‘Themshao Lam’ by the tribes.
– Prithpal Kaur has initiated innovative projects such as “Fighting drugs with education and livelihood and fighting not with guns but with machines.” Her initiatives have taught people how to apply their skills to create electric bicycles, dryers, and other low-cost machines for agricultural and domestic use.
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7. When is World Cotton Day (WCD) celebrated?
a. 06 October
b. 07 October
c. 08 October
d. 10 October
Answer: b. 07 October
Theme of the year 2024
– Cotton for Good
– This day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2021.
– India is the second-largest producer and consumer of cotton in the world, playing a significant role in the global economy.
– The top five cotton-producing countries are China, India, the United States, Brazil, and Pakistan, collectively accounting for over three-quarters of global production.
– Cotton comes into contact with us every day; it is a source of livelihood for millions of small farmers and laborers, including women and their families, and contributes significantly to the economies of many developing countries.
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8. When is Air Force Day celebrated?
a. 5 October
b. 6 October
c. 7 October
d. 8 October
Answer: d. 8 October
In 2024, the Indian Air Force celebrated its 92nd anniversary on October 8.
Why is October 8 Celebrated?
– October 8, 1932, marks the establishment of the Indian Air Force.
– At that time, it was known as the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF).
– The first squadron of the Air Force was formed on April 1, 1933, a year after its establishment.
The Indian Air Force played a crucial role during World War II.
– Before the country’s independence, the Air Force operated under the Army.
– After independence, the term “Royal” was removed from the name, and it became the “Indian Air Force.”
– In free India, Sir Thomas W. Elmhirst was appointed as the first Chief of the Indian Air Force, holding the rank of Air Marshal.
Inspirational Motto from the Gita
– The motto of the Indian Air Force is “नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्” (Nabhah Sprisham Deeptam), which translates to “Touch the Sky with Glory.”
– This motto is derived from the 11th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita.
– It is an excerpt from the teachings given by Lord Krishna to Arjuna during the Mahabharata war at Kurukshetra.
Current Air Chief Marshal: Amarpreet Singh
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9. For the first time in the 200-year democratic history of Mexico, a woman president was sworn in in October 2024, name her?
a. Halla Tomasdottir
b. Claudia Sheinbaum
c. Heather Humphries
d. Manuel Robles
Answer: b. Claudia Sheinbaum
– She won the presidential election on June 3, 2024.
– In October 2024, she took the oath of office as President.
– With this, she became the 66th President of the country.
For the first time in Mexico’s 200-year democratic history, a woman has become President.
– She is 62 years old, and her term will last for 6 years.
Claudia Sheinbaum
– She was born on June 24, 1962.
– She is a Mexican politician, scientist, and academic.
– She is a member of the left-wing political party Morena.
– She served as the Mayor of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023, a position equivalent to that of a state governor.
Mexico Struggling with Criminal Violence
– Claudia Sheinbaum took the oath of office at a time when Mexico is engulfed in criminal violence.
– Claudia Sheinbaum stated that she will leave no stone unturned to eradicate the rising violence and crime in the country and will utilize ‘social policy’ to achieve this.
Mexico
– Capital: Mexico City
– Population: 127.5 million (2022)
– Language: Spanish
– Currency: Mexican Peso
– Neighboring Countries: USA, Guatemala, Belize
– Oceans: Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of California, Pacific Ocean
World’s Deepest Blue Hole Found in Chetumal Bay, Mexico
– The deepest blue hole was discovered in Chetumal Bay, Mexico.
– It is located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico.
The discovery was made in May 2024.
– Scientists have not yet measured its full depth, but initial estimates suggest it is about 1,380 feet (420 meters) deep and located beneath the ocean surface.
– Blue holes are large sinkholes or vertical caves found in the ocean floor.
– They form from the collapse of carbonate rocks and get filled with water.
– They are open and circular at the surface, with steep walls. Blue holes typically contain water with tidal effects that can be fresh, seawater, or a mix of both.
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10. What is the mascot of Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024?
a. Mom
b. Gudiya
c. bulbul
d. sparrow
Answer: b. Gudiya
Women’s Asian Champions Trophy (Hockey) to Be Held in Rajgir, Bihar
– The Women’s Asian Champions Trophy (Hockey) will take place from November 11 to November 20, 2024, in Rajgir, Bihar.
– Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched the logo and mascot for the tournament.
– The mascot for the 2024 Women’s Asian Champions Trophy is named “Gudiya,” which is an affectionate term for young girls in Bihar.
– This mascot is inspired by the endangered house sparrow and represents resilience, strength, and natural heritage.
– Gudiya’s adventurous demeanor and confident expression symbolize the determination and sportsmanship of the players, serving as a beacon for empowerment and awareness regarding the conservation of endangered species.
– The logo features the Bodhi tree, which symbolizes growth and resilience and is linked to Bihar’s spiritual heritage.
Women’s Asian Champions Trophy
– The Women’s Asian Champions Trophy is a biennial international field hockey competition featuring the top six women’s national teams from the member associations of the Asian Hockey Federation.
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